About Nikon J2

The Nikon 1 J2 is the second generation of Nikon's interchangeable-lens compact camera system, and while it generally carries a specsheet similar to that of its predecessor, the Nikon 1 J1, the J2 offers intriguing new features that put special effects and more sophisticated but intuitive controls in the hands of snapshooters in a surprisingly small and light camera.

The Nikon 1 system is based on a new 10MP, 13.2x8.5mm CMOS sensor and CX-mount lenses, an entirely new mount that is optimized for the Nikon 1's high-speed focusing and image-capture abilities.

The big news on the Nikon 1 J2 is the Creative mode, accessed via a distinctive new icon on the camera's mode dial. Creative Mode lets users choose from among 8 options:

Night landscape, where the camera chooses a higher ISO; it goes up to 3200 and offers the same noise reduction as on the J1.

Backlighting: In normal shooting mode, the camera adjusts for backlighting to expose for the shadows; when combining Backlighting with HDR, both shadow and highlight detail is preserved.

Easy panorama mode (in both vertical and horizontal mode): Using on-screen guides, the user moves the camera to take in a wide view.The J2 detects hand motion and automatically adjusts for horizontal or vertical format panorama.

Soft: Designed for flattering portraits and evocative scenes, Soft mode applies haze to the entire frame.

Miniature effect: Focus is sharp in the center of the screen, falling off into blur along the sides and edges.

Selective color: Choose a specific color to retain in the image while the rest of the scene is recorded in black and white.

The 3-inch LCD monitor has been upgraded to 921k dot resolution, and Nikon says it is easy to view even outdoors.

Features that are carried over from the Nikon 1 J1 include the hybrid Focal Plane Phase Detection and Contrast-Detection autofocus, ideal respectively for moving sujbects and low-light environments. At 10fps (with continuous autofocus) the Nikon 1 J1 is a category burst rate leader. Without continuous AF it can shoot as fast as 60fps.

The Nikon 1 J2 also offers Smart Photo Selector. As soon as the shutter release is pressed halfway down, it starts recording up to 20 images right before and right after the shutter release is fully pressed. Then the camera compares the 20 shots and chooses 1 best shot and 4 reserve images and deletes the rest. So, out of frame figures, blinking and blurred shots are automatically excized before you see anything in preview mode.

You can also use the Nikon 1 J2's Picture Control to adjust the tonality and overall quality of your images. Choices are: Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Standard, Portrait, and Landscape .

The Nikon 1 J2's subject-tracking AF memorizes the color and shape of a subject, and tracks it automatically to keep focus even as it is moving at high speed. Combine this with the advanced hybrid AF system Ai which was found to be one of the fastest of any digital cameras tested by the Adorama Learning Center on the J1 and V1 and your chances of catching active subjects and sports are quite good.

The Nikon 1 J2 also retains Motion Snapshot, which combines still images with a 2.5-second slow-motion movie. Press the shutter and the camera records a still image and 1 second of video but playback is in slow-mo. Nikon includes a software package to help you stitch together several Motion Snapshots into a single longer montage that you can share online. my Picturetown is Nikon's image sharing service, which lets you share images and Motion Snapshots via social networks and email from your computer or mobile device.

Drawing on the same technology behind Motion Snapshot, the Nikon 1 J2 will simultaneously record movies and stills without dropping any frames. It can record full 1920x1080/60i or 1920x1080 30p HD movies for up to 20 minutes, or 720p movies up to 29 minutes, while simultaneously capturing 16:9 aspect ratio still images at 3840x2160 pixels. Slow motion at VGA and sub-VGA resolution can be captured at 400fps and 1200 fps, respectively.

The Nikon 1 J2 joins a growing ecosystem of Nikon 1 series interchangeable-lens digital cameras, lenses, and accessories. The new 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens (available in Black or White) offers a 35mm equivalent angle of view ofa 30-74mm lens, which retracts into a super compact lens when not in use.

Nikon 1 owners can also use their Nikon DSLR lenses via the Nikon Mount Adapter FT1, and can take the Nikon 1 J1 or Nikon 1 J2, equipped with the 10-30mm lens, underwater via the Nikon WP-N1 waterproof case. The case is rated to depths of 131 feet.

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Nikon J2 Features

Enhanced Creativity: Highlight a single color within a composition, give everything a playful toy model appearance or create a mind-boggling panoramic photo simply by panning the camera. Conquer tough shooting situations with modes for Night Portrait, Night Landscape and Backlighting, or switch to PSAM mode for complete camera control.

Unique Motion Snapshot: Nikon 1's unique Motion Snapshot lets you capture the essence of a moment like never before. Relive the feeling of watching a wave crash on the beach, or fireworks crashing overhead. And now it's even easier to share the Motion Snapshots you create.

Grab the Moment: There's nothing worse than catching a special moment but finding out later that your subject was blinking or your shots are blurry. With Nikon 1's Smart Photo Selector, you'll always getthe best of what's seen. It automatically shoots a sequence of photos and then selects the best of them for you.

Shoot HD Video and Stills: Now you don't have to choose between recording HD video or still photos capture both simultaneously!

Revolutionary Sensor Technology: At the heart of the Nikon 1 system is a revolutionary new CX-format CMOS image sensor that captures every detail at blazing speeds and powers through low-light situations, but is small enough to keep the Nikon 1 system among the most compact, lightweight interchangeable lens cameras available.

Perfect Focus, Instantly: Nikon 1's breakthrough 73-point autofocus system moves at the speed of life, so you can capture even the fastest moving subjects. You'll be amazed at how quickly the Nikon 1 focuses; it's truly it's truly game-changing speed and performance.

Blazing Fast Continuous Shooting: Hold down the Nikon 1 J2's shutter button and capture an astounding 10 shots persecond with full autofocus performance, and up to 60 FPS with AF locked on the first frame.

Remarkably Simple Operation: The Nikon 1 system was designed to help you spend more time creating and less time fussing with your camera. All of the key controls and dials are at your fingertips, and the settings you like most are available from one-touch shortcuts.

Brilliant Low-light Performance: Like all Nikons, Nikon 1 J2 captures sharp, noise-free images even in low-light situations. With built-in modes for Night Portrait and Night Landscape and an ISO range from 100 (for very bright days) all the way up to 3200 (for the dimmest conditions) your shots will always shine.

Built-in Pop-up Flash: A flash isn't only for low-light situations fill in shadows on your subject's face, add new dimensions to backlit subjects or alter the mood of a photo.

Full HD (1080p) Video with Stereo Sound: Seamlessly go from shooting stills to high-definition videos at 1080/30p or 1080/60i for stunning playback on your HDTV.